Chief Executive

Lead YMCA Leicestershire into its next chapter, building a more connected, inclusive and ambitious future for young people and communities.

Location: Leicester

Applications close: 9 a.m. Monday 29th June 2026

About YMCA Leicestershire

YMCA Leicestershire believes everyone should have a fair chance to discover who they are and what they can become. Every year, we work alongside hundreds of young people and adults who are experiencing homelessness, instability, poor mental health or social isolation, helping them move towards safer, healthier and more independent lives.

Our services range from supported accommodation for young people aged 16–25 and a children's residential home , to well–being support, employment initiatives and YASC, our welcoming day centre for people experiencing homelessness. We also run The Y Theatre , an important creative and community space in Leicester city centre.

Alongside practical support, we create opportunities for young people to build confidence, friendships and skills through employment, volunteering, arts, sport and resident engagement programmes.

From helping residents move into work through Project Flourish, to creating community spaces like Roots 2 Resilience , we focus on recognising strengths, potential and aspiration.

About the role

This is a significant leadership opportunity within a respected and deeply rooted organisation that is ready to evolve. You will join at a time of cultural and strategic transition, with the opportunity to strengthen collaboration, modernise ways of working and build long–term sustainability, while staying closely connected to the organisation's mission and values.

As Chief Executive, you will provide strategic and operational leadership to a complex and ambitious organisation that delivers support across housing, homelessness, residential care, and community services.

Leading YMCA Leicestershire's supported housing and accommodation pathway for young people, ensuring services not only provide safety and stability, but also support young people's personal development, confidence, independence and future aspirations.

You will lead YMCA Leicestershire through a significant period of organisational transition and change, helping to strengthen culture, rebuild trust and collaboration across teams, review and modernise ways of working, and shape a clear and ambitious vision for the future.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for a values–led leader who can combine warmth, emotional intelligence and strong relationship–building skills with strategic clarity and sound operational judgement.

You will bring:

• Senior leadership experience within a multi–service organisation.

• Experience of organisational change, service development or cultural transformation.

• Experience of working with young people in housing, homelessness, social care or related settings.

• An understanding of trauma–informed and strengths–based approaches and their importance in supporting young people to thrive.

• Strong financial and operational understanding.

• Experience of leading through complexity, ambiguity or transition.

• The ability to build trusted relationships across staff teams, boards and external partnerships.

• Strong communication and influencing skills.

• A commitment to inclusive leadership and strengths–based approaches.

Most importantly, you will bring a genuine commitment to supporting young people and communities and be motivated by the opportunity to lead an organisation that is ambitious about the difference it can make in young people's lives.

Please click on the link to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you will find full details of the role and how to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 29th June 2026.